You know the feeling: when you open up those new running shoes and lace them up for the first time. When your feet hit the pavement, you feel like you’re flying. It’s the most wonderful thing in the (running) world. At least one of them. But why is this the case?
New Running Shoes Are … Well… New
We all know that running shoes break down over time. They lose their cushion and spring, and that means more work for you, as a runner. As long as your older shoes are within their expiration, they will be fine, but towards the end of their life, they will no longer be exceptional. You’ll absolutely compensate for the decrease of energy return and mushy feeling, which will hold you back. NEW running shoes, on the other hand, are full of bounce and return, making them efficient and an absolute joy!
Tread Lightly. Or Don’t!
Additionally, new running shoes have the benefit of new treads. These are better suited to gripping the ground, making launches and landings more fluid and efficient. This means less time sinking into the shoe to gather for takeoff. It also means that footing is more sure, and therefore less time is wasted on stepping carefully.
When You Look Good, You Feel Good
It’s an undisputed fact that when you look good, you feel good. When you step into those new running shoes for the first time, it’s go-time, for sure. How can you not put all of yourself into your running when your feet look this fabulous? Seriously.
New Running Shoes Can Be Motivating
On top of the cosmetic benefits, new running shoes can be a huge motivator. Personally, I always feel like I’ve really earned my next new pair of shoes, so when they come, I have to give it my best. My form is always better and my pace a little quicker, when I’m in the glow of new shoe day.
Do you believe new shoes make you faster?
Join the Runner’s Roundup!
Link up each week to post your favorite running tips, experiences, race and training recaps, workouts, gear, and coaching ideas. Join your hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs, each week for the Runners’ Roundup linkup! Your link must be running related. Unrelated links will be removed. You must link back to your hosts — it’s common courtesy and a lot more fun! Spread the link-up love by visiting at least two other #running bloggers! Leave a comment and find new blogs to read! Use hashtags #running and #RunnersRoundup to stay in touch and promote your content!
New shoes are definitely motivating! I love breaking in a pair of new ones and I’m sure they make me faster!
But I also have to admit that I struggle to say goodbye to the old ones. They usually end up in some semi-state of existence in the cupboard until I finally throw them away.
Catrina recently posted…Peak No. 9 and a Strange Challenge
I do hold on to older shoes for a while. They make great hiking/dog walking/shoes for vacation kinds of shoes.
I always feel faster in new shoes! When I switch from an older pair to a new pair I always feel that extra bounce on my first few runs in them.
It’s such a great feeling.
I always feel faster and more bouncier in some new kicks! I do try to rotate them to make them last longer
That is a fantastic plan! I do the same.
Yes, I love that bouncy feeling of the first run in new shoes. These Brooks ones you’re sporting are super-cute. I can see why they would put a little extra pep in your step!
I love them so much!
I’m not sure that anything would make me faster these days but I do love new running shoes. And yes, I do feel bouncier in them.
LOL! I am ok just feeling faster.